“I had set up near a bakery at peak hour and after a few attempts, I was not sure I had the right image. Then I noticed a boy seriously counting his pennies while waiting for his turn and I explained to him what I needed from him. Exit the bakery in a hurry with the loaf held tilted under his left arm. The first attempt was too tense, the second was perfect. We went back into the bakery to eat a chocolate treat together"
~ Willy Ronis
“250 grams of magic and perfection in our daily lives. A French way of life. We had been fighting for years with bakers and the world of gastronomy for its recognition. The baguette is now a Unesco intangible heritage.”
~ Emmanuel Macron (President of France)
In my next life I would like to come back French. I just returned from exhibiting at Paris Photo and consumed many of the above delights on a daily basis. And I also just acquired a special large signed print of this most charming image. All the stars were aligned this week when our friend and comrade Emmanuel Macron tweeted this news informing us of the now elevated status of this national treasure. It is the holiday season after all and life is short so please feel free to pick up your own loaf and enjoy. Merci Emmanuel for this blessing and merci dear Willy for creating this life affirming image, and for your friendship over the many years.
